On Etiquette and Encouraging Others to do Good

“I heard Abā alḤasan Mūsā (a) saying, ‘Do not consider [your] many good deeds as abundant, and do not consider [your] few sins as paltry, for verily sins that are few keep accumulating until they become many. And fear Allah in [both] private and public, until you behave in a fair manner [with others]. Hasten towards the obedience of Allah, be truthful in speech, and fulfil the trust [that is entrusted to you], for indeed this is for your own benefit. Do not oppress [anyone] and do not enter into that which is impermissible for you, as that is to your detriment.’”

I advise you to espouse Godwariness, be truthful in [your] speech, return the trusts [entrusted to you], and be a good companion to the one who accompanies you. In the moments just before sunrise and sunset, supplicate [to Allah] and strive hard [to maintain this practice], and do not hold back from asking anything from your Lord. Do not say [to yourself], ‘This is something that He will not grant me,’ and supplicate [for everything you need], for verily Allah does as He wills.”

“The Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said to ʿAlī (a), ‘O ʿAlī, I advise you to espouse certain qualities, so learn them from me. O Allah, help him [to do so]! As for the first one, it is truthfulness – never let any lie be spoken from your mouth. The second is piety – never act treacherously. The third is fearing Allah as though you see Him. The fourth is crying out of fear [and awe] of Allah – for each tear a mansion will be built for you in Paradise. The fifth is spending your wealth and blood for your religion. The sixth is adhering to my sunnah in my prayers, my fasting and my giving charity. As for my prayer, it is fifty-one [rakʿahs]; as for my fasting, it is three days in every month, in its beginning, middle, and end; as for my charity, it is to spare no effort [in assisting the needy] until it is said that you have been extravagant, while you have not been extravagant. I bid you to maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer! And I bid you to maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer! I bid you to recite the Qurʾān in every condition. And I bid you to raise your hands in supplication and then turn them back [towards yourself]. I bid you to brush your teeth during every ablution and prayer. And I bid you to [espouse] beautiful moral traits so inculcate them [in yourself], and I warn you against evil traits so eschew them. Then if you do not act upon what I advise you [herewith], then do not blame anyone but yourself [for the consequences].’”